We went to Nagoya to see Hokusai’s exhibition. It was so exciting to see his actual works with my own eyes. His prints express movements such was waves in a pond or wind, and I was amazed how he made it possible from wood block prints. Wood has a flat surface, but it creates movements when it gets carved into each picture.
His works also made me realize how wonderful Japanese culture and art are. I keep thinking how I can express Japanese beauty in my jewelry since the exhibition.
One of the most surprising changes in Japan is the sand from Takla Makan Desert in China. When we lived in Japan 10 years ago, we didn’t have this phenomenon. Whenever there is strong west wind, the whole sky gets yellowish-white with the sand. We can usually see mountains near my parents house, but it’s hardly seen.
My son loves to play outside especially after receiving a tricycle from my dad, so I felt sand in my mouth after playing with him. I heard that the desert is getting bigger, and it causes this problem. Does this relate to global warming?
Recently I read an article about an increase of mosquitoes in Africa. One example was around Lake Victoria. Some parts of the lake started to dry out and became wet land. The circumstance is appropriate for the mosquitoes to grow.
So many things relate to each other in nature. I have been keen on recycling, and I have started to compost in my parents’ garden as my small step to eco-life.
Kaoru Grieselhuber | 
03 24th, 2008| 